Report 08 · Every November
BNPL and Credit Snapshot
10.9mUK adults used buy now, pay later in a year. Since 15 July 2026 it’s regulated — here’s what changed and how to avoid the fees.
FCA data · Regulation in force from 15 July 2026
Who uses BNPL
% using BNPL in the previous 12 months, FCA Financial Lives 2024
All adults
20%
Women aged 25–34
35%
Lone parents
40%
TL;DROne in five adults used BNPL last year, rising to two in five lone parents.
Key findings
15 Julthe date BNPL came under FCA regulation in 2026.FCA
4new protections: clear terms upfront, affordability checks, help if you struggle, and the Financial Ombudsman.FCA
£13bn+UK BNPL lending in 2024, up from £0.06bn in 2017.FCA
TL;DRBNPL now has proper rules: checks before you borrow, clear terms and somewhere to complain.
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Receipts · checked 9 November 2026
- FCA — New protections confirmed for Buy Now Pay Later borrowers — February 2026
- FCA — Financial Lives 2024 survey: key findings — published 16 May 2025; fieldwork February–June 2024